This month's Athlete of the Month is Deidre Bass. She loves to work out and apparently loves the CFA community! Take a look and learn more about her this month.

1 When and where did you start Crossfitting? What made you want to start?

I started Crossfit in Chicago in 2013, just before I moved to California. Patrick had started working out at Crossfit Arise, and he told me to take an On Ramp course in Chicago before I moved out to Cali so I would be ready to jump right in when I moved. He told me I would love because it was fun and competitive! I was super nervous to do the On Ramp course, but I did it, loved it, and haven't looked back since.

2. Do you remember what you were thinking after your 1st WOD?

I don't really. Probably that I really liked it and that it was a good workout.

3. What do you like most about Crossfit?

The community to me is #1. Sometimes when I can't make it to the gym to work out, I just want to go for a few minutes just to say hi to everyone. We've made lifelong friends being a part of this community. Also, as most at the gym may know, I like that it's got a competitive component to it. I like to win!

4. What are some of your Crossfit accomplishments of which you're most proud?

I remember when I first learned how to do a kipping pull-up. I thought to myself, finally. Once you figure a certain movement out, it's an "ah ha" moment, and it's a good feeling. Dubs and handstand push ups were like that for me as well.

5. What is your favorite lift/movement? Least favorite?

Love those wall balls! I also like thrusters, cleans, and kettlebells. I'm not fond of anything with a bike or a rower.

6. Do you have a favorite WOD? Least Favorite? Favorite WODs are Karen and fran. Least Favorite is anything with a bike or a ton of push ups.

7. Do you have any Crossfit goals for this year?

It's on the board: bar muscle ups and handstand walks!

8. Do you adhere to any form of daily/weekly diet regimen? If so what does your dream cheat meal/day look like?

No diet. I eat pretty healthy, and I've been doing it for years and it works, so I'm not going to change it until I feel the need. After recently having another baby, I've been craving ice cream, but I don't eat it too often.

9. How do you spend your time when you're away from CFA?

I've got two kids, an almost 4 year old and a 6 month old. They keep me busy. In the spring and summer, I love to garden. It's peaceful and I love to eat all of the fresh food. I also play a lot of soccer when I'm not working out at CFA. If you don't see my name on the whiteboard, I probably played soccer that day.

10. What is one fact that other CFA members may not know about you? I have done a lot of schooling. I went to undergrad and grad school and got a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering before I moved on to something else. I love math!

11. Who is your favorite musical artist/band?

Sting. His album Ten Summoners Tales was the first CD I ever bought when I was 12. I have since bought every other disc he has ever recorded, including Police albums. I've seen him in concert about 6 times. While vacationing in Sweden, I found out he happened to be playing in some remote area in the middle of the country. We drove out there to some mine turned amphitheater to see him perform. Greatest thing ever!

12. What impact has CFA and the CFA community had on your life, in and out of the gym?

I'd probably have no friends in California if it wasn't for CFA. I moved here, started at the gym, and everyone has truly become like family. Out of the gym we all enjoy the Sonoma County lifestyle together. In the gym we talk, joke, push each other in workouts, commiserate with each other about what's to come, and then high five each other after finish and can't breathe!

13. Do you have any motivational thoughts or suggestions for folks just getting started at CFA?

Do it!!!! You will love it. I consider myself a pretty decent athlete, but I was terrified to do the initial class. Everyone is. However, with an awesome gym like CFA, everyone is so welcoming and the coaches are accommodating with changing up movements for each person so they can be performed safely and at your skill level. Take it one day at a time, but be sure to get in the gym. Just start there!